Find a Therapist in West Hartford, CT

Paula Coppola, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with an MS and LMFT credentials, believes in the innate power we all possess to heal. She understands that within each person lies emotional parts shaped by experiences, generational burdens, and childhood traumas. In her practice, Paula guides clients on an inward journey to identify these unique parts, understand their origins, and ultimately embrace them, fostering a sense of love, kindness, and wholeness. Her therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual, utilizing techniques such as Internal Family Systems, Action Methods, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, she incorporates holistic practices like meditation, breathwork, and energy healing into her sessions. As a Certified Reiki Practitioner and certified in the Neuro-Emotional Technique—a method for releasing the physiological impacts of trauma and stress—Paula offers a comprehensive path to healing. She meets clients where they are, recognizing that every step toward healing is an act of bravery and love. Paula is committed to accompanying each person on their journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

Meet Dr. M Victoria Ramos, a dedicated clinical psychologist with over ten years of experience in the field. Having graduated in 2008 from the University of Hartford, Dr. Ramos has trained as a generalist and has served in a variety of settings, including community health, the VA healthcare system, inpatient and residential facilities, and educational environments. She brings a wealth of knowledge and cultural insight as a bilingual and bicultural professional, offering therapeutic services in both English and Spanish to adolescents, adults, and elders. Dr. Ramos specializes in trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and relationship issues, employing a range of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness. Her approach is relational and client-centered, fostering a safe and collaborative environment for clients to empower themselves in making meaningful changes in their lives. With a keen interest in trauma-focused treatment, couples psychotherapy, and acculturation issues, Dr. Ramos is a proud member of the Connecticut Psychological Association and the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Kate Reid Allen, LPC, understands that life can be a challenging journey for many. With the right support and expert guidance, individuals are better equipped to navigate life's difficulties and gain clarity about their situations, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life. Her psychotherapeutic practice encompasses a wide range of issues, including trauma, addiction, and gender-related matters. Utilizing techniques such as EMDR, CBT, gestalt therapy, visualization, and mindfulness training, she aids clients in their healing process. Committed to her own personal growth, Kate believes that this dedication provides her with valuable insights that enhance her sessions. With experience as a foster and adoptive parent, she feels a profound connection with both children and parents who have faced similar challenges. This unique perspective enables her to offer empathetic support and guidance to individuals and families. Kate considers it a privilege to accompany her clients on their journeys to healing, helping them reclaim their lives and life energy, and she feels deeply honored to be welcomed into such an intimate space with others.

Laura Reiter, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with over thirty years of experience cultivating trusting relationships with her clients. She specializes in a diverse array of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and identity exploration. Laura has worked with individuals across all life stages, from adolescents making the crucial transition to college to senior citizens navigating new phases of life. Her expertise extends to offering support for individuals and couples, particularly in managing anxiety and depression. Having spent time in a college counseling center, she understands the nuances of transitioning from high school to college. Throughout her career, Laura has also focused on loss, grief, and identity issues, particularly sexual identity. Clients often commend her exceptional listening skills and appreciate the thought-provoking questions she poses, which carry weight long after sessions conclude. Laura views therapy as a collaborative journey, where she and her clients work together to achieve growth and healing.

Erica Ronald is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who understands that everyone faces challenging times when support is essential. She believes that therapy is a unique opportunity for individuals to connect with their priorities and overall wellbeing through a collaborative process where the client is regarded as the expert in their lived experience and integral to their healing. With a rich background of 15 years in helping adults and elders, Erica employs diverse therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, positive psychology, and trauma-focused approaches, to assist clients with relationship issues, anxiety, and life transitions. Her relational and integrative methods foster self-compassion and insight, enabling clients to uncover and address patterns that may be holding them back. Erica's hope is to work together with her clients to facilitate their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Dr. David Russell is a dedicated Psychologist with a PhD who brings expertise and a compassionate approach to therapy. He has an impressive academic background, having completed his PhD at Rutgers University and a Fellowship at Yale University in 1983. Dr. Russell specializes in working with a diverse clientele, including preteens, children aged 6 to 10, teens, adults, and elders aged 65 and above. With a focus on addressing mental health issues such as depression, trauma, anxiety, and PTSD, he provides a supportive environment for clients facing a range of challenges. His eclectic therapy modalities encompass individual, couple, and family counseling, enabling him to tailor his approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether dealing with relationship issues, substance use, or emotional disturbances, Dr. Russell is committed to helping clients navigate their journeys towards healing and self-discovery.

Jack Ryan is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly twenty years of experience in helping individuals overcome challenges related to depression, anxiety, and trauma. He understands that everyone can reach their limits when coping with life's difficulties, leading to behavioral patterns and symptoms that may feel overwhelming. Jack recognizes that people often forget their own strengths and healing capabilities in these moments of distress. With his expertise in mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-focused approaches, he provides support that is adaptable to various concerns. Jack partners with his clients to create tailored change plans that empower them to unlock their inherent strengths and creativity, guiding them toward restoring and maintaining their well-being. His commitment to fostering resilience and emotional health shines through in the compassionate environment he provides for individuals of all ages, including preteens, children, teens, and adults.

Debra Bailey, PhD, is a dedicated psychologist with over 31 years of clinical experience, including 19 years in private practice. She understands that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective treatment, fostering trust and a sense of being heard, which ultimately facilitates transformation. Debra works with adults, couples, and families facing a wide range of issues, including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. Her therapeutic approach incorporates psychodynamic, interpersonal, and relational modalities, tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of her clients. With a compassionate heart, Debra supports individuals navigating the complexities of life, including relationship difficulties, stress, and grief.

Colleen Dibella is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, with a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, graduated in 1992. She provides a supportive and compassionate environment where adults and elders can explore their deepest feelings and navigate through life's challenges. With expertise in issues such as grief, trauma, PTSD, and the complexities surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment, Colleen specializes in individual and family counseling. She fosters a therapeutic relationship that encourages clients to recognize their inner strengths, resolve past wounds, enhance communication skills, and cultivate satisfying relationships. Colleen employs a range of modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy, to inspire and motivate her clients. By equipping individuals and families with effective coping strategies, she helps them manage the emotional and physical aspects of their struggles. Colleen looks forward to learning about each client's unique life experiences and working collaboratively towards their personal growth and healing.

Sallene Murphy, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who brings a wealth of experience to her practice since graduating from New York University in 2010. With a focus on serving teens and adults, she provides compassionate support for a range of challenges, including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression. Sallene specializes in Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders, Depressive Disorders, and co-occurring issues such as Substance-Related Disorders. Her holistic, person-centered approach ensures that clients feel confident in seeking her services during these uncertain times. The therapy modalities she employs include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing, as well as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and other culturally sensitive methods. Sallene values the importance of building honest therapeutic relationships and is committed to delivering treatment tailored to individuals, families, and groups. Her practice also includes clinical evaluations, consultations, and referrals, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to mental health care. Sallene's innovative approach prides itself on offering in-home services and outpatient treatment, accurately reflecting her understanding of the diverse needs of her clients. In her practice, she fosters an environment where even therapists can engage in their own therapeutic journeys.

Karen Scheel Holley, PsyD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate their mental health challenges. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, she specializes in treating anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and social anxiety, as well as depression and mood disorders. Karen understands that feeling worried and stressed is a common experience, but when anxiety intensifies, it can significantly affect one’s quality of life. She works collaboratively with clients to help them better understand their anxiety and develop effective coping strategies, so they can regain confidence and take charge of their lives. Karen’s therapeutic approaches include Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and more. She believes in the importance of establishing a strong therapist-client relationship, fostering a warm, genuine, and nonjudgmental environment for her clients. Her practice is tailored to address individual goals and needs, ensuring a custom approach to therapy. Karen is here to support those dealing with life transitions, self-esteem issues, and interpersonal challenges, guiding them towards positive change.

Carol Schiffman, LPC, is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with extensive experience in working with adults, including elders aged 65 and above. Since 1989, she has been committed to providing effective therapy in private practice while also gaining valuable experience in an area hospital's Intensive Outpatient Program and Behavioral Health Clinic. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), she specializes in assisting survivors of sexual trauma, as well as individuals dealing with challenges like depression and anxiety. Carol’s eclectic approach, combined with her person-centered therapy techniques, allows her to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients, addressing a variety of issues such as self-esteem, stress, women's issues, divorce, self-harming, borderline personality, and codependency.

Dr. Janet Schrager is a highly experienced clinical psychologist with a PhD and over 30 years of practice. Graduating from the University of Connecticut in 1982, she has successfully worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, addressing a wide array of issues such as adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, divorce, learning disabilities, and attention deficit disorders. Operating within a collaborative multi-disciplinary mental health group in West Hartford, Dr. Schrager prides herself on understanding the unique qualities of each client. She is dedicated to empowering clients by developing effective coping skills while leveraging their strengths to navigate life's challenges. Her expertise also includes providing diagnostic testing for mental disorders and offering support to both public and independent schools, encompassing evaluations and treatment for learning disabilities and emotional issues. Furthermore, Dr. Schrager assists families with the complexities surrounding divorce, including education, co-parenting, conflict management, and custody studies. Integrating her psychoanalytic background with developmental, educational, and clinical training, she employs a comprehensive approach that draws from positive and cognitive psychology. Dr. Schrager is well-connected, providing referrals to psychiatrists and independent school/college consultants within her group for coordinated treatment.